When it comes to children, I hear a lot of talking...

You hear it often whether in a barbershop, coffee shop, or church.

“The youth today...” Or “this generation is the worst.”

Before we go any further, let's point out that when we were young, folks said the same thing about us. Don't get me wrong, there are things that have changed for the worst. There are some things that were built much better back in our days. Yet change is constant and it is important that we adapt. One thing I can say is that our youth aren't going to hell in a hand basket.

Of course, that's not going to happen if we involve ourselves. You can hear people talk about how this village is supposed to raise a child but most folks don't realize they are a part of that village. It's like we want someone else in a far off land to be that village. Saying “village” conjures images of an Afrotopia (not my term).

If the babies are wildin' out, its because we taught them how to do that. And trust me when I say this, it takes more than just fathers to fix the problems. It takes everyone: teachers, moms, dads, uncles, aunties, siblings, cousins, grand parents, coaches, and everyone else who teaches or nurtures. You'd be surprise how much of a difference you make greeting a young person with love and positivity. Instead we tend to duck our heads and look the other way. Then we link up with a colleague and gossip.

I am not saying that folks should quit their day job and start a non profit. I am not suggesting that you start signing checks with 6 digits and handing them out. There is much work to be done. Get in where you fit in. Whether it's mentoring, fundraising, mailing envelopes, driving folks, visiting people, writing letters, calling your congress person, offering someone a job, or any other thing that might be easy for you but extremely helpful to someone else. You don't have to be an eloquent speaker, wear a suit, have several degrees, or make a gazillion dollars. You just have to be a human being who is willing to help a hand.

Trust me, if we all chip in, the world will be a better place.